By David Nagel
Michael Meeng has survived much more than the screaming appeals of bowlers to become one of the most respected umpires in the West Gippsland/Casey Cardinia Cricket Association.
Meeng, who retired from umpiring last week after 31 years behind the stumps, is an affable character that would rather push his story to one side and focus the attention on others.
But, upon investigating…his own story is a remarkable one.
He began his cricket career for West Bentleigh in 1970, the year he got married as a 21-year-old, and played more than 200 games for the club; making roughly 3500 runs.
To this day, he is still one of the top-20 runscorers for the Bulldogs; not bad for a bloke who describes himself as a “handy lower grades player.”
But there’s one innings that stands out above the rest.
On Saturday 28 January, 1984, Meeng made 77 runs for his beloved Bulldogs.
It was just 24 hours before he became front-page news.
Meeng, 34 at the time, was navigator for Australia’s leading powerboat racing driver, Robert Weir, who died one kilometre off Sandringham after crashing during the annual ‘Port Phillip 100’.
Meeng and a fellow crew member were pulled from the water after a freak wave hit the boat, causing it to break into two as it crashed into the sea.
Weir wasn’t so fortunate, becoming the first fatality in the 15-year history of the race, after being pinned under the submerged hull.
“We had these buoyancy vests on and there was petrol everywhere in the water…it was stinging your eyes and a horrible place to be,” Meeng explained, before quickly moving on.
Meeng lost his mother early in life, living in Brunswick and Box Hill with his dad, before moving as a married man to Glen Waverley and then finally to Officer in 1987.
His attention turned to football; being an assistant-coach of the ROC Under 15s in 1990, and standalone coach himself when the team won back-to-back titles in 1991.
He coached interleague teams, and reached two under-17 grand finals for Roc without tasting the ultimate success.
It was around this time that he became involved in umpiring.
He was convinced to play cricket for Officer in 1991, but lasted half a season before his back gave out.
“I met Jim Smith, 31 years ago, and it all started from there,” he said.
It’s a passion that still burns strong today.
“I just can’t do it anymore…the knee is stuffed and the back is playing up too,” Meeng explained, ahead of his last day being washed out on Saturday.
“But I’m proud that I’ve lasted this long, that’s probably the main thing I take away from it.”
“It keeps you involved in the game; it’s enjoyable, and keeps you involved in the banter; a few beers after the game, it’s a great way to meet people.
“But they have to break the ice first; they’re out there to bat or bowl, I’m out there to umpire, but if they say ‘Hi Minga’ then I’ll communicate with them.”
“Every time I see Wombat (Chris Bright) …I say ‘Are they still short of keepers down here, are they? (smiles).
He has had his run ins along the way…but describes that as part and parcel of being involved in the thick of the action.
“Very small flicks and edges, they’re probably the hardest ones…and sometimes you do make mistakes.
“I gave (Daniel) McCalman out one day, down the legside, and after we discussed it might not have been the right decision.
“He accepted it and we moved on, I respect him for that, but there are others that can’t live with it and keep carrying on.
“When games get close, your concentration increases even further; you realise the importance and you don’t want to make mistakes.”
One such game was the 2016/17 WGCA grand final; with Kooweerup defending a modest score against Pakenham.
“What a game that was,” Meeng says with a smile
“The young kid from Pakenham (Thom Jones) was shaking all the way to the crease…Jess (Mathers) was absolutely on fire.
“It’s the best seat in the house; you feel the pressure, but get a buzz, when you know what’s on the line.
“If you don’t get a buzz from umpiring, in that situation…give it away.”
Meeng has been witness to an amazing triple century from Emerald’s Amith Eranda, and remembers innings from Tom Hussey, Ben Maroney and Chris Smith as an absolute pleasure to watch.
“He (Eranda) made what a whole team makes in one afternoon of cricket; incredible, and they were all good cricket shots,” he said.
“Chris Smith, Glen Marinic and Mark Cooper, they’re probably the three best bats, and Greg Bethune, Jess Mathers and Brett Hanks from Pakenham were the best I’ve seen with the ball.
“It’s been great to be a part of it and see these champions players up close.
“If anyone is thinking about umpiring, just make sure you love and enjoy the game and you’ll thoroughly enjoy the experience.
“I hope people remember me as being fair, and appreciate that I loved doing it.”
Meeng’s legacy to the local sporting landscape has also been ensured; being heavily involved in the creation of the Officer Kangaroos Junior Football Club in 2001.
Well played Michael Meeng!
